On Sunday 17th March 2013, like many people across the world, we shall probably enjoy a pint of Guinness to toast St Patrick's Day.

The Black Dog in his Marsden March t-shirt

However, this year we shall probably feel as though we have really earned our pint rather more than in previous years. That is because on that day along with a team of family, friends & of course, The Black Dog, we shall be taking part in The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity's Marsden March - a 14 mile walk between the two sites of the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea and in Sutton.

This is the third year of the Marsden March and each year it gets bigger & better. In 2012 over £1.2m was raised for the Royal Marsden's work at the forefront of the battle against cancer and this year they are hoping to beat that total when 4,500 people take on the walk.

We have taken part each year and are excited to be doing so again this year. During that first walk we were tweeting our progress and exchanged tweets with a lady who was watching the walkers go past a cafe in Putney where she was having brunch. We discovered a shared love of dogs and soon afterwards met up with the dogs for a walk and became good friends. You can imagine our sadness then, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. We're pleased to say however that after treatment by the wonderful staff at The Royal Marsden that she is well on the road to recovery.

Our video of The Marsden March 2011

This year then, when we set out on Sunday 17th March, we will have an extra motivation (in addition to the pint of Guinness!) - we will be walking to say thank you for the treatment our friend received from The Royal Marsden - a friend we are only lucky enough to have because of the Marsden March.

Entries are now closed to take part, but if you would like to come out and support the walkers or pre-register for next year you can find out more information at The Royal Marsden's website. The route passes through Putney, Wimbledon Common, Raynes Park & Nonsuch Park so there are plenty of places to come & cheer the walkers on!

If you would like to make a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity you can visit our Just Giving page to donate safely & securely online.

The Black Dog Bakery - bakers of healthy, wholesome dog treats made with all the care your dog deserves!